NSU Sophomore Wins KOTV’s ‘Gimme the Mike’

TULSA – Northeastern State University sophomore T.J. Spears, Tahlequah, won KOTV’s “Gimme the Mike” competition Monday night at the Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa.

Spears beat five other contestants in the live finale to claim the $5,000 grand prize and recording session. His rendition of Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darling” helped him claim the top prize.

Spears, a graduate of Tahlequah High School, is no stranger to the stage. He has performed with NSU’s Downtown Country since 1999, becoming a full cast member in 2003. He has also performed at numerous venues throughout northeastern Oklahoma, and has performed numerous times in Branson, Mo.

The son of Mickey and Teres Spears, T.J. was one of 20 finalists chosen in the annual singing contest. His performance of Blake Shelton’s “Goodbye Love” in week four secured him a spot in the finale and earned him accolades from the judges.